Introduction
This partner project will allow you to learn, build, and present to others things that you've learned about a particular Native American tribe.
Task
Focus on the following information:
- Geographic Features
- Where did they live? What are the states that currently make up that region? (Maybe include a map?)
- Describe the geography of the area
- Food and Hunting
- What did they eat?
- How did they hunt for food?
- What tools did they use?
- Who did the hunting and gathering?
- How was the food prepared?
- Clothing and Technology Expert
- What did the men wear?
- What did the women wear?
- What did the children wear?
- How was their clothing affected by the climate and natural resources?
- What “technology” did they have? (tools, arts and crafts, natural resources used in daily life)
- Customs and Traditions
- What were religious beliefs or burial practices?
- Did they have a government?
- What were the traditional roles of members of the tribe?
- Did they have social classes?
- What kind of games did children play?
- Were they known for anything – making jewelry, weaving, etc.?
- Shelter and Transportation
- Describe the type of home they lived in.
- Did they use different shelter depending on the season/weather?
- What natural resources were used to construct the home?
- How did they move from place to place?
- Did they travel from place to place? (Were they nomadic?) Why or why not?
Be sure to include any other interesting information or facts that you discover about the Native Americans in your region.
Then, design and construct a replica of a dwelling/shelter that the tribe lived in. Ask Mr. Janssen about materials that he has, and materials that are okay to bring from home. The replica should be detailed and could show the geography of the area or other artifacts within it.
Process
Step 1: Choose a tribe
Step 2: Research your tribe. Use your notetaking guide to help answer questions others may want to know.
Good online resources:
http://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/native-american-c…
http://www.native-languages.org/kids.htm
http://www.kidinfo.com/american_history/native_americans.html
Step 3: Compile notes in a way that you can easily present your information
Step 4: Design your shelter/dwelling
Draw and answer these questions:
- How big will it be?
- What supplies will we need? Anything we should bring from home?
- Can we finish this project this week?
Step 5: Build your shelter/dwelling
- Be neat and creative. Make your project the best in the grade!
Step 6: Present your project and teach others about your tribe